HotWheels National Series

🏁 1. Vegas Aftershock: Mikal Leonard’s Ninth Win Shakes Up Playoff Picture
Following his dominant Las Vegas victory, Mikal Leonard officially becomes the first driver locked into the Championship 4. The rest of the Round of 8 is now on edge heading into Talladega.

⚔️ 2. Playoff Bubble Tightens — Just 22 Points Separate 4th to 7th
Travis Hollow holds the final transfer spot with 4,058 points, barely ahead of Byron Armstrong, Hunter Alfredo, and Jim Johnson. Every stage point will matter at Talladega.

🔥 3. Talladega Prep Day: Teams Finalizing Draft Alliances
Crews are tuning cars for maximum speed and stability. Expect big team cooperation — Martínez and Armstrong may work together early, while Williams and Hollow could pair up in the rookie alliance.

🚨 4. Safety Review Underway After Carson Dillon’s Fiery Vegas Wreck
Officials confirmed Dillon’s car suffered a fuel line rupture after impact, prompting updates to rookie inspection protocols before Talladega. Dillon will be cleared to return next week.

💬 5. Newgarden Issues Public Apology to Austin Smith
After their Vegas crash that ended both drivers’ races, Jamie Newgarden released a statement taking “full responsibility” for the contact. Smith responded: “We move on to ’Dega.”

📊 6. Championship Outlook — One Down, Three Spots to Go
Locked In: ✅ Mikal Leonard
On the Bubble: Travis Hollow (R) +2
Below Cutoff: Byron Armstrong (-2), Hunter Alfredo (R) (-9), Jim Johnson (-15), Zayden Palou (-22)

📅 7. Next Up: Talladega Superspeedway 2 — Monday, October 27, 10:30 AM ET
The wild card of the Round of 8 looms. Expect high-speed packs, surprise contenders, and potential playoff heartbreak.

🧮 Playoff Standings Before Qualifying

1. Mikal Leonard — Locked In
2. Carter Williams (R) – 4,080 pts
3. Tarrez Martínez – 4,078 pts
4. Travis Hollow (R) – 4,058 pts
5. Byron Armstrong – 4,056 pts (-2)
6. Hunter Alfredo (R) – 4,049 pts (-9)
7. Jim Johnson – 4,043 pts (-15)
8. Zayden Palou – 4,036 pts (-22)